“Bullying is real. It’s on every campus. It’s really important we don’t dismiss how serious it is. We must be proactive and pay attention to the small things that indicate there could be an issue.” – Anthony Cathey, Chapel Hill Academy Dean of Students.
Bullying is an all too familiar problem that can lead to tragic outcomes. Chapel Hill Academy saw an increase in negative behaviors and bullying reports in the spring of 2022. In response, we created a Behavior Management Team (pictured here). Their consistent presence in classrooms and all over campus creates a sense of safety for students and a reminder that there is a team ready to hold students accountable to the behavior standards CHA expects of them. Compared to this time last school year, we’ve seen a remarkable decrease in the number of bullying reports and behaviors. “You can feel a difference in the school. The tone is more positive,” stated Azure Dismuke, Chapel Hill Academy Elementary Assistant Principal.
What does CHA do to prevent bullying?
- Bullying 101 presentation for both students and teachers to discuss what bullying looks like, what are red flags to watch for, how to report it, etc.
- Verbal reminders by teachers and Behavior Interventionists.
- Redirecting negative behaviors.
- Clearly communicating expected behaviors to students on a regular basis.
- Second Step Curriculum – focuses on emotions, social interaction, relationships, boundaries, etc. This curriculum is implemented in every classroom and there’s a Second Step lesson every day.
- Focus on the whole child – their emotional, physical, behavioral, and mental health.
- Coordinate with school social worker to connect families with any additional resources through Lena Pope and other community resources.
- Train staff on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework designed to incentivize desired behaviors.
- Visual reminders all over campus. Bullying is not an acceptable behavior at our school and will not be tolerated.
- Provide anonymous tip line for students, parents, and others to report concerns.
- Utilize Lightspeed computer keyword monitoring system on all CHA computers to identify problematic behaviors.
- Video cameras and staff are present in common areas during all transition times.
- Threat assessment team meets to monitor and escalate concerns.
What does the Behavior Interventionist team do?
“Our Behavior Interventionists are focused on building positive relationships with students on campus. We want the students to know we’re here for them. If they need help, we’re here. If they need correction of negative behavior, we’re here to support them,” described Mr. Cathey. The team of five Behavior Interventionists (BIs) have a constant presence on campus and their job is to work proactively and respond to issues as they arise. The BIs walk through the halls to observe classroom behavior, check in on classes, and interact positively with students in class a few times a week. The BI team is in constant communication with classroom teachers about any issues or consistent negative behaviors. This allows the BI team to step in and support the teacher and students in the classroom and talk with students individually as needed. Parent/Guardian involvement is essential to our success in decreasing negative behaviors. “We’ve seen a huge change in the kids who had behavior issues when their parents were involved and on the same page as our BIs and teachers,” shared Mr. Cathey. At CHA we believe in nurturing the whole child and paying attention to their strengths, interests, which team members they get along with best, and focusing on an individual approach to every situation.
Bullying Prevention Starts with YOU
- Monitor your kid’s social media. A lot of bullying happens on social media.
- Teach empathy and maintain an open line of communication with your child.
- Monitor your child and if something feels off speak up. Ask questions. Talk with teachers.
- Remember negative behavior is often a symptom of something deeper.
- Focus on positive behaviors and encourage or praise your child for the positive choices they are making.
- If behavior issues arise for your child, collaborate with their teachers and school to address the problematic behavior. A cooperative relationship between caregivers and schools leads to more positive outcomes for kids both at school and at home.
Unfortunately, bullying is a reality in our schools today. At Chapel Hill Academy, our team of teachers and Behavior Interventionists are working diligently to combat this issue and teach our students positive behaviors and empathy for one another.